pull someone's leg

Joke with someone

To pull someone's leg is to tease them, usually by saying something untrue with a straight face: I thought he was serious, but he was just pulling my leg.

The phrase implies playful deception rather than malicious lying—the goal is momentary confusion followed by shared amusement.

teasing

joke

Humorous statement seeking laughter

  • prankPlayful trick on someone
  • teaseMock playfully
  • kidChild or young goat

rib · jest · banter · wind up · have on · put on · mess with · fool around · playful · mischief

deception

trick

Deliberate deception

  • foolUnwise, gullible person
  • hoaxDeliberate deception for effect
  • deceiveCause false belief

mislead · dupe · con · bamboozle · hoodwink · bluff · spoof · gull · fake out · string along

Opposites
sincerity of communication

pull someone's legspeak the truth

be honest · speak plainly · tell the truth · no joke · lay one's cards on the table

emotional intent

pull someone's leglie through one's teeth

Deliberately tell obvious falsehoods

gaslight · con · defraud · manipulate · hoodwink

tone and intent

pull someone's legmean business

Intend serious action

straight-faced

Family

pull, pulling, pulls, pulled, someone's

Familiarity
Top 50,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Positive · Everyday, not technical · Rated G